Questions on Second Model Hand Ejector

[WCCPHD]

I was at a LGS today and the owner was logging in a group of S&W revolvers for consignment. One of them was a Second Model Hand Ejector which I assume began life as a .455 Webley. It has obviously been refinished outside the factory. There was some light pitting under the refinish. The polishing job was not terrible, but no where near S&W factory work. It has been converted to .45 AR (Auto Rim) by shaving the cylinder. The barrel is marked 45 AR on the left side. The stamping is much lighter than the original markings on the revolver. It does not have the correct, original grips.

My questions are: Does such a revolver have any collector value? Second (and I realize this will be a wild guess without photos) what would be a reasonable value on this revolver? The owner asked me what to price it at and as I have no idea, I was hoping someone here could assist.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Bill

 

[cgt4570]

Sounds like it's strictly shooter value at this point. But I've also heard stated that any early N frame that functions properly is worth 5 Benjamins. Would be a keep and shoot or a strong candidate for a custom pre-war. These 2 both came to me as modified Brit 2nd Models. The top has a 625-10 barrel and cylinder with all new internals (with a Performance Center style ball detent front lock). The second uses parts from some other dash Model 625.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Hey, Bill, I have several of these .45's that are not collectible. I've never paid more than $500 for one...so far.

Chris, I'll give you $500 for that bottom one...jes sayin'. Seriously!

 

[45NUTT]

For what is worth, completed auctions on GB has converted 2nd model 455's going for $850 to $1,000. If I see ANY N frame S&W for $500 you can bet your @$$ I will buy it!!

 

[Hondo44]

I'd say $500. It's got other issues besides the conversion and the way it was converted, and poor refinish, as you described, wrong grips, etc..

The way it's converted it can shoot 45 ACP with clips, but shouldn't be because the cylinders are not heated treated.
The chambers should have been recessed about .040". Not only wouldn't it shoot ACP it could still shoot .455 MkI & MkII ammo safely.

 

[glowe]

Agree with the $500 to $600 value. I have one converted to shoot 45 ACP and it is easy to find low pressure reloading information for the gun, but plated bullets and factory 45 ACP loads are not the best choice for these guns. I can state, however, that all those 455s converted to 45 ACP have likely shot lots of factory ammo in their day with no issues that I have read reported.

The British proof system uses long tons of 2240 pounds, so the 455 proof of 6 tons equates to 13,500 psi, while 45 ACP standard pressures are 21,000 psi. That is a 60% pressure increase over the guns rating.

 

[Mike LaNier]

I have one, made in 1915 for the Canadian Contract. No caliber stamped on the barrel, but with Canadian proofs and the 'de-mob' stamp, and modified for .45 ACP or .45 Auto Rim...both cartridges can be used. Mine is in really nice shape, and I paid $600 for it a few years ago. Not terribly collectable, but kind of fun, and it shoots OK. Any S&W in .45 is cool, in my view!

 

[Hondo44]

Yeah the damage is more of a cumulative damage rather than catastrophic. Tolerances increase and parts get loose. The cylinder notches bow out and cause extraction problems of empty cases.